In this post I just wanted to highlight a few things that have lingered with me since the 2016 Oracle Open World Experience.

Persistent DRAM
Now, here, being at home, I must admit that I cannot find very much documentation about this, but it got me thinking… A little paradigm-shift, where computers actually wouldn’t need moving parts anymore (ie. disks of any kind). Create devices that use these memory structures, quite possibly combined with flash-disks, to run entirely on RAM. The 3D XPoint Technology could be a nice example of this. I think I would applaud such machines.
I know, not a real export point I am making here, but if anyone has a better angle, I would love to read your comments.

Thick Database
This is a much better documented topic, much more tangible too.
Toon Koppelaars started this “new” approach with his talk at OTW16. You can review his presentation here and see the video’s of the presentation here and here.
I guess some really good points there. The creation of an application is a craft. You need to get the right materials and do a number of steps to get a solid foundation. Meaning you have to create a solid data-model (yes, even in the world of BigData, schema on write, etc.) most applications still rely on a data model and all that we were taught to go with that. Not much sense in repeating what’s in the presentation here though.
An eye opener and something to (re)consider!! I plan to talk about this a bit more later.

EBR & Oren
One of the best sessions I visited during OOW16 was the presentation by Oren Nakdimon accompanied by the illustrious Bryn Llewellyn.
The presentation discussed a true implementation of CI/CD using some of the capabilities of the Thick database paradigm as discussed above, combined with the possibilites that Edition Based Redefinition brings.
Using these technologies, Oren has been able to implement a rolling upgrade scenario for Moovit. I find this impressive.

Philippe Fierens & SPARC
I had the honor and pleasure of working closely together with my good friend Philippe Fierens during this edition of OOW. It always adds a dimension if you are able to tackle some of the challenges of the week as a team! Thank you Philippe.
Though Philippe I am also affiliated to the continuing efforts to build and maintain the Oracle SPARC architecture of which he is a strong advocate. Be sure to follow his blog to learn about the latest developments in this area.

Panel discussions on the last day
Saving the best for last… Literally!
On the last days there we some panel discussion regarding SQL / PLSQL and application architecture. I found these discussions to be quite meaningful and the interaction with the attendees was grand. Having people like Chris Saxon, Connor McDonald, Toon Koppelaars and Carry Millsap on a panel, there is no way you can go wrong!

OTN & a bow
Finally, looking back at this OOW, it was actually the first one I visited as a member of the OTN Oracle ACE community.
Boy, does that make a difference in how you experience Oracle Open World!!
Of course, you can chill and relax at the OTN Lounge, learn a lot of different things, spot Oracle Hero’s as the wander by if you are a “regular” visitor to OOW. And, by all means, I recommend you do as it is extremely valuable.
But the difference this time was that I really belonged there.
A very big thank you to Jennifer for the hard work you put into making all of this possible!
And, please, support Girls who Code, the initiative OTN sponsorred this year by tweeting a selfie with the hashtag #girlswhocode and the appropriate sticker!!

This year, 2016, is turning out to be an amazing year again, with #OOW16 being once again on of the apices!

Looking back

After the discovery of the Oracle community in 2012, as a result of a very first trip to downtown San Francisco in 2010 for #OOW10, an amazing chain of events was set in motion. This very first introduction in the Oracle World was as ‘a mere participant’ in this awe-inspring, large than life event.

Over these past few years I have met so many people, made so many new friends around the globe… This all literally changed my work, my life; basically everything changed.

After visiting Oracle Open World for the first time, I had the opportunity to work with Arjen Visser and the team of Dbvisit on building a strong brand for this amazing company in Europe. This also brought me back to San Francisco in 2014.
And boy, things have changed!
Not only was it a coming back, it was a fest of friendship, with so many people to meet, either brand new or in a chance to catchup once again. It was also the first time I had the opportunity to participate & share. With #RepAttack I had the opportunity to share knowledge about logical replication and the many benefits it holds for making the most out of your data.
Did I mention the utterly amazing fact of getting not only accepted by the Oracle Community, but also recognized, together with my dear friend from Belgium, Mr. Philippe Fierens, as a genuine Oracle ACE?

A new step

This edition of Oracle Open World, OOW16, again adds a brand new dimension to the visit to San Francisco!
Not only will it be as the Director Operations of Portrix Systems, supporting the Annual Swim in the bay event in cooperation with Oraclenerd Chet Justice, it will be as a selected speaker too. An opportunity I would have never anticipated to be possible.

I will be discussing the various aspects around the protection of data and how you can justify various investments to accomplish this.

Sunday, Sep 18, 10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. | Moscone South—306

I cannot start tp imagine what the impact of this years trip shall be, I do know that I am looking forward to meeting many of you again. This year too, the OTN Lounge will be the base camp for the travels through the Open World landscape. Don’t hesitate to stop by and say hi!!

In flight to San Francisco on the 27th of September 2014. Heading out to Oracle Open World for the second time.
Much has changed since my previous visit.

The previous time I came to this biggest of IT events in the world, I came as a spectator, representing an IT company, where my mission was to soak up as much knowledge as I possibly could, submerging myself in the flow of the event.
This time ‘round, I come as a participant, representing another IT company that wants to add to the scene and deliver a smart alternative.
And also personally there is a huge difference! Previously I went alone and was thrilled to find Frits Hoogland at the gate, which was already a familiar face to me back then! Now I am travelling to meet up with many more friends… listening to Metallica on the flight already reminds me that I will meet Gurcan Orhan over there! And in the pervious weeks many promises were made for quick meet ups and catch ups on the grounds of what we call “Oracle Open World”!

Clock set to Pacific Summertime, good morning world!!
Time has come a long way since my previous trip! Where I was bound to the onboard entertainment system a few years back, now I can work, prepare and write this text in flight. Hoping to meet all of you guys out here.
And today, Oracle Open World came to a real kick-off, when we went to the Golden Gate Bridge Run, organized by @thatleffsmith, where we ran or walked with a great number of Oracle celebrities, ranging from @oraclebase through @helifromfinland and Frits Hoogland to @dbvisit!
After this @ilmarkerm, myself and two lovely ladies from Finland shared a cab to Moscone where we met up with the RACAttack Ninja’s at the OTN Lounge…